Systems and methods for tattoo removal using an applied electric field

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are disclosed for tattoo removal from a subject by exposing tattoo ink particles trapped within the dermis to electrical energy. The tattoo removal method and system can be used to remove the tattoo from the skin of the subject being treated. In addition, the method and system described allows for the extraction of the tattoo ink particles, which may have toxic properties, from the subject&#39;s body.

FIELD

The present invention relates to methods and systems of skin treatment and, in particular, tattoo removal.

BACKGROUND

For many individuals, tattoos represent an important form of artistic self-expression. Other reasons for obtaining tattoos include permanent cosmetic applications and to cover scars or blemishes.

Permanent tattoos are created by piercing the skin with needles or similar instruments to mechanically deliver an ink, which includes small particles of pigments/dyes suspended in a carrier, into the dermal layer of the skin. The creation of a permanent tattoo requires the insertion/implantation of pigments, dyes, and/or chromophores into the dermis which are not dissolvable and/or biodegradable. Following mechanical insertion of the ink particles and during the healing process, the majority of the ink particles that remain in the dermis and that have not otherwise been expelled from the skin or absorbed by the body in the healing process, 70-80%, are engulfed by phagocytic skin cells (such as fibroblasts and macrophages) or retained in the extracellular matrix of the dermis and the remaining ink particles are found such that 10-15% of the ink particles lie flattened on collagen fibers and 5-10% of the ink particles lie attached on the serosal side of capillaries.

Despite the wide acceptance and popularity of permanent tattoos, there is a significant demand for the removal of tattoos. Removal of tattoos, however, represents a complex process that most typically involves the use of lasers designed for aesthetic skin treatments and/or other mechanical removal techniques. The current state-of-the-art for tattoo removal is performed using a variety of lasers which induce degradation and absorption by the body of the inks to achieve tattoo removal. The laser conditions require matching the laser frequencies to the particles according to their size, composition, color, and depth in the dermis. The laser is applied to the tattoo such that the pigments, dyes, and/or chromophores of the ink particles absorb the laser light and the laser pulses dissociate and degrade the pigments, dyes, and/or chromophores components of the ink particles into small(er) fragments. The fragmented ink components may become small enough to be absorbed by the body and removed from the dermis. Nonetheless, laser-based removal of tattoos has several shortcomings. For example, lasers induce heating of the skin and can cause burns as well as other undesirable tissue damage which can cause some scarring or color variations that are likely to remain after healing. Current laser-based procedures for tattoo removal may therefore be somewhat ineffective at complete removal of tattoo inks, require multiple treatments at a high cost, cause pain, and can result in scarring, disfigurement, and depigmentation of the treated skin.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a system and methods for tattoo removal using non-laser-based approaches. It would also be advantageous to provide methods that enable removal/extraction of the degraded ink components, such as dyes, pigments and other chromophores, from the body to reduce absorption by the body of potentially harmful/toxic chemicals.

It is therefore an object of the present teachings to provide a system and method for removing a tattoo from a subject by degrading ink particles trapped within the dermis.

It is an additional object of the present teachings to provide such a system and method which allows for the extraction of the residue of treated tattoo ink particles, which may have toxic properties, and of other degradation components from the subject's skin tissues.

It is yet another object of the present teachings to provide methods for removing tattoos which can be performed in one or more treatments and which are effectively less painful to the subject being treated than current conventional methods of tattoo removal.

It is still a further object of the present teachings to provide methods of tattoo removal which can address the limitations of current state-of-the-art removal methods (i.e., laser-based removal systems) to reduce issues with skin scarring, skin color bleaching, and residual tattoo shadowing remaining after removal treatment(s).

SUMMARY

Methods and systems using applied electrical energy to remove tattoos from a subject have been developed based on application of an alternating current (AC) or a pulsed direct current (DC) electric field which can dislodge and degrade tattoo ink particles trapped within a subject's dermis to facilitate the removal of the mobilized ink particles and/or degradation products thereof from the subject's dermis and surrounding tissues and render the tattoo invisible, non-discernible, and/or undetectable.

In one aspect of the invention, methods of removing a tattoo from a subject's skin can include the steps of: (i) inserting at least one needle-shaped, active electrode into the subject's skin to access a target tattoo region within a dermal region of the skin; and (ii) applying electrical energy via the active electrode to the target tattoo region at a fluence and duration sufficient to degrade the tattoo.

The electrical energy can be applied in the form of an alternating electric field having at least one frequency ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz. For example, the active electrode delivers between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes, optionally between about 1 and 10 microamperes of alternating current. The alternating field can be delivered a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV, optionally between about 4 and 6 kV.

Alternatively, the electrical energy can be applied in the form of a pulsed DC current having a pulse repetition rate ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz. For example, the active electrode can deliver DC pulses at between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes, optionally between about 0.1 and 1 microamperes. The active electrode can deliver such DC pulses at a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV, optionally between about 4 and 6 kV.

The electrical energy can be applied at a fluence and duration sufficient to chemically degrade tattoo ink particles, or at a fluence and duration to sufficient disrupt the extracellular dermal matrix, or at a fluence and duration sufficient to rupture cell membranes of tattoo ink-bearing macrophages and release tattoo ink particles entrapped therein.

In certain embodiments, the electrical energy can be applied via a plurality of electrodes in an array with the electrodes separated from each other by a distance sufficient to achieve generally uniform electric field strength over at least a portion of target region by overlapping fields. For example, the electrode array can include multiple electrodes arranged in rows and/or columns. In some embodiments, the array includes at least 9 active electrodes, or optionally at least 16 electrodes, or optionally at least 24 electrodes. The method can further be practiced with at least one collector electrode applied to the subject's skin to provide a return path for the applied electrical energy.

Preferably, the electric energy is applied without raising the temperature of the target region more than 4 degrees C. The electrical energy can also be applied in conjunction with a cold plasma.

In certain embodiments, the method can further include the steps of mobilizing and extracting dislodged or degraded ink particles. For example, degraded ink particles can be mobilized by delivering a mobilization fluid to the target region. The mobilization fluid can include at least one of sterile water, a saline solution, or a buffered aqueous solution, and optionally can further include one or more surfactants, or one or more local anesthetics, anti-infective agents, antiseptic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, or combinations thereof.

The extraction step can include extracting degraded ink particles via suction of a mobilization fluid or a natural bodily fluid containing the particles from the target region. The method can also repeat the mobilizing and extracting steps, or cycle the electrical energy application, mobilization and extraction steps. The active electrode and/or mobilization and extraction elements can also be in motion during operation, e.g., vibrating or oscillating in depth, to further augment their function and/or expose a larger portion of the target region.

In another aspect of the invention, systems are disclosed for removing a tattoo from a subject's skin that include (i) an electrical energy source; and (ii) at least one active electrode, configured for insertion into a target tattoo region of a subject's skin to deliver electrical energy in an amount sufficient to degrade the tattoo.

For example, the electrical energy source can be configured to apply an alternating electric field having at least one frequency ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz. In certain embodiments, the electrical energy source can be configured to apply an alternating current at between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes, optionally between about 1 and 10 microamperes. The electrical energy source can be configured to apply the alternating current at a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV, optionally between about 4 and 6 kV.

Alternatively, the electrical energy source can apply a pulsed DC current, e.g., having a pulse repetition rate ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz. When the electrical energy source is configured to deliver DC pulses, it can do so at between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes, optionally between about 0.1 and 1 microamperes. The electrical energy source can be also configured to deliver DC pulses at a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV, optionally between about 4 and 6 kV.

The electrical energy source can further be configured to generate a cold plasma in conjunction with an electric field.

In certain embodiments, the system can employ a plurality of electrodes disposed in an array with the electrodes separated from each other by a distance sufficient to achieve a generally uniform electric field over at least a portion of target region by overlapping fields. In some embodiments, the electrode array can include multiple electrodes arranged in rows and/or columns, for example, at least 9 active electrodes, or optionally at least 16 electrodes, or optionally at least 24 electrodes, arranged in a honeycomb pattern.

The systems of the present invention can also include an extraction component and optionally a fluid delivery component. The active electrode can form part of a treatment component, for example, one or more electrodes can be deployed as part of a treatment probe having at least one fluid passageway for fluid delivery and/or extraction.

When an extraction component is utilized in the system, the extraction component can provide suction or apply suction to the subject's tattooed dermis during and/or subsequent to application of the electrical energy.

The active electrode(s), the fluid delivery component, and the extraction component can integrated into a treatment probe having at least one hollow needle with a tip, from which the electric field is applied to the target tattoo region. At least one lumen within the probe can provide mobilization fluid and/or suction to the target tattoo region. The hollow needle can further include a multiple sheathed needle, e.g., with coaxial parallel lumens or concentric lumens to separate the mobilization and extraction conduits.

The treatment component can take the form of a cartridge that can be coupled to a reusable hand piece. For example, the cartridge can include a plurality of needle-shaped active electrodes which penetrate the subject's tattooed skin. The cartridge unit can be removable, replaceable, and/or disposable.

Additionally, the system can further include a mechanical actuator oscillator connected to the one or more active electrodes to permit movement during operation, e.g., vibratory or oscillatory movement of the electrode during treatment.

In one preferred embodiment, electrical energy is applied to the subject's dermis via one or more needles or probe-like structures that penetrate the subject's tattooed skin. The electrical energy can be applied as a high frequency alternating electric field at one or more frequencies ranging from about 1 kHz to about 100 MHz so that the energy interacts with constituents present within the dermis such as, but not limited to, the tattoo ink particles themselves, macrophages, fibroblasts, cell membranes, collagen fibers, and capillaries and other cellular and non-cellular constituents of the dermis which have trapped the tattoo ink particles in such a manner as to effectively disrupt the tissue components and dislodge the trapped tattoo ink particles. The electric field may also induce degradation of certain types of the ink particles, which are composed of organic and/or inorganic pigments, dyes, and/or chromophores and give color to the ink particles. In preferred embodiments, the electrical energy both dislodges and degrades the trapped ink particles without causing any damage or any significant amount of thermal or other type of irreparable damage to the exposed dermis or other surrounding tissue. Optionally, the electric field can also generate a cold plasma at the target site, which can further assist in tattoo degradation.

In some embodiments, the applied electrical energy effectively dislodges and degrades all or a portion of the tattoo ink particles during a single or multiple tattoo removal treatment. Multiple treatments may be applied wherein the number of treatments depends on factors such as the size and complexity of the tattoo and on the health of the individual and/or individual's skin.

In some embodiments, the dislodged ink particles and degradation by-products thereof can be mobilized to remove them from the subject's dermis and surrounding tissues prior to their recapture by the natural protection mechanisms of the skin, which can otherwise result in a shadowing effect or prior to their transport through the lymphatic channels and deposition in lymph nodes.

In some embodiments, the mobilization step involves the delivery of a pharmaceutically acceptable mobilization fluid which facilitates the removal of the dislodged and degraded ink particles and by-products thereof. The mobilization fluid delivered to the treated dermis is extracted in a subsequent extraction step such as by the application of suction. The extraction of the mobilization fluid containing the dislodged and degraded ink particles from the dermis and surrounding tissues removes the tattoo from the skin.

All or a portion of the dislodged and degraded tattoo ink particles and by-products thereof can be extracted from the subject's tattooed dermis during an extraction step. By degrading, dislodging and removing the tattoo ink particles, the tattoo on skin treated according to the method described herein becomes undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible to the naked eye. In certain other embodiments, the electrical energy can degrade all or a portion of the tattoo ink particles and the degradation by-products are converted into colorless components and the tattoo becomes undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible to the naked eye. In such embodiments, treatment of the tattoo ink particles with applied electrical energy may render the ink particles down to their colorless atomic, molecular, and/or gaseous components, such as carbon dioxide or water. In some embodiments, the colorless components may not need to be removed or otherwise extracted from the skin if the tattoo has otherwise been rendered undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible to the naked eye. In other embodiments, the dislodged and degraded ink particles and degradation by-products thereof which are rendered into colorless components may be absorbed by natural processes from the interstitial fluid of the dermis or elsewhere in the body.

The extraction of the degraded and dislodged ink particles and by-products thereof from the subject's skin is advantageous as the ink particles, components and degradation by-products thereof may have toxic properties which can potentially have harmful effects if absorbed by the subject's body.

In another embodiment, a system for removal of tattoos using applied electrical energy is formed of (1) a high frequency electric field generation component; (2) an optional fluid delivery component; and (3) a fluid extraction component. The high frequency electric field generation component is coupled and connected to a treatment component for delivery of the electrical energy to the tattooed dermis of a subject. The fluid delivery component of the system delivers mobilization fluid to the treatment component which in turn is used to deliver the fluid to the tattooed dermis and surrounding tissue. The mobilization fluid is formed of a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation and facilitates the removal of dislodged and degraded tattoo ink particles and degradation by-products thereof and tissue degradation by-products formed or created during or after exposure to the electrical energy.

The fluid extraction component of the system is coupled and connected to the treatment component to provide suction for extraction of the mobilization fluid and/or removal/extraction of dislodged and degraded tattoo ink particles which may be present in the natural fluids present in the dermis or surrounding tissue directly.

In some embodiments of the system, the high frequency electric field generation component, fluid delivery component, and a fluid extraction component may be incorporated into a combined free-standing treatment instrument or system. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery and/or extraction components may be excluded from the combined treatment instrument.

In another aspect of the invention, methods and systems for kinetically removing a tattoo from a subject's skin are also disclosed. The kinetic methods can include the steps of: (i) inserting at least one needle-shaped, electrode into the subject's skin to access a target tattoo region within a dermal region of the skin; (ii) applying energy via the electrode as an electrical field and/or cold plasma to the target tattoo region; and (iii) activating a kinetic applicator that causes an active tip of the electrode to move within the dermis, whereby the tattoo will be degraded by the combined application of energy and tip movement.

In certain embodiments, the step of activating the kinetic applicator can further include activating a repetitively penetrating applicator to cyclically cause the active tip to penetrate and at least partially withdraw from the target region, or to vibrate within the dermis, at a rate from about 0.01 Hz to 10 kHz, more preferably from about 0.1 Hz to about 1 kHz, or at a rate of at least 10 times per minute.

When employing a kinetic applicator, the step of applying energy can further include provides a high frequency alternating electrical field via the active electrode to the target tattoo region at a frequency ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz at an energy level and duration sufficient degrade the tattoo.

The kinetic application of energy preferably applies energy or cold plasma at a strength and duration to chemically degrade tattoo ink particles. The combination of kinetic movement and applied energy can also rupture cell membranes of tattoo ink-bearing macrophages in the dermis and/or disrupt the extracellular dermal matrix to release tattoo ink particles entrapped within the cells or extracellular matrix.

The electrical energy applied during kinetic movement of the electrode can include applying an alternating electric field having at least one frequency ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz. For example, the active electrode can deliver between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes, optionally between about 1 and 10 microamperes of alternating current and/or a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV, optionally between about 4 and 6 kV.

Alternatively, the electrical energy applied during kinetic movement of the electrode can include applying an pulsed DC current having a pulse repetition rate ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz. For example, the active electrode can deliver DC pulses at between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes, optionally between about 0.1 and 1 microamperes and/or at a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV, optionally between about 4 and 6 kV.

The electrical energy applied during kinetic movement of the electrode can be delivered without raising the temperature of the target region more than 4 degrees C.

The kinetic application of energy preferably also includes the steps of mobilizing and extracting dislodged or degraded ink particles. For example, the step of mobilizing ink particles further comprises delivering a mobilization fluid to the target region. The mobilization fluid can include at least one of sterile water, a saline solution, or a buffered aqueous solution as well as one or more surfactants, local anesthetics, anti-infective agents, antiseptic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, or combinations thereof. The extraction step can include extracting ink particles via suction of a mobilization fluid or a natural bodily fluid containing the particles from the target region.

Kinetic systems are disclosed for removing a tattoo from a subject's skin, including (i) an electrical energy source; (ii) an active electrode, and (iii) a kinetic applicator that causes an active tip of the electrode to penetrate and at least partially withdraw from a target region or to vibrate within the dermis, cyclically at a rate of at least 10 times per second whereby the combined application of energy and tip movement are sufficient to degrade the tattoo. The energy source can deliver, for example, a high frequency alternating electrical field via the active electrode to the target tattoo region at a frequency ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz, or to generate a cold plasma,

Kinetically active systems according to the invention can further include an extraction component and optionally a fluid delivery component. The active electrode can be part of a treatment component (e.g., a handpiece) defining at least one fluid passageway for fluid delivery and/or extraction. The extraction component can apply suction to the subject's tattooed dermis during and/or subsequent to application of the electrically energy.

In some embodiments, the kinetic actuator, active electrode, the fluid delivery component, the extraction component are integrated into the treatment component. The treatment component can be in the form of a hollow needle with a tip, from which the electric field is applied to the target tattoo region. The hollow needle can be a multiple sheathed needle and, in certain embodiments, the treatment component can comprises a cartridge unit with a plurality of needle-shaped active electrodes which penetrate the subject's tattooed skin. The cartridge unit can removable, replaceable, and/or disposable.

In some embodiments, the application of a high frequency electric field, mobilization fluid, and/or extraction (i.e., suction) and, optional cold plasma and/or kinetic electrode movement is applied via the treatment component to the tattooed dermis and surrounding tissue under the control of a skilled/trained operator or technician and the treatment is applied with a high level of precision. In certain embodiments, all or a portion of the tattoo ink particles are dislodged, degraded, and extracted from the subject's tattooed dermis, to render the tattoo undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible to the naked eye.

These and other features of the applicant's teachings are set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the applicant's teachings in any way.

FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting example of a method for tattoo removal including the steps of dislodgement of intra-cellularly trapped tattoo ink particles with a high frequency electric field, mobilization of the dislodged and degraded ink particles, and extraction of the ink particles for removal of a tattoo from a subject's dermis and surrounding tissue.

FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting example of the high frequency electric field-based tattoo removal system.

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a kinetic applicator for use with systems according to the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of a treatment component in the form of a pen or wand which includes a treatment end which contains one or more needle or probe-like structures as part of a disposable cartridge.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show front (4A) and side (4B) views of a multi-sheathed needle or probe-like structure formed of three concentric nested/embedded needle or probe-like structures forming inner, middle, and outer rings. The outer portion of the needle or probe-like structure includes optional openings.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show front (5A) and side (5B) views of a multi-sheathed needle or probe-like structure formed of two concentric nested/embedded needle or probe-like structures forming inner and outer rings. The outer portion of the needle or probe-like structure includes optional openings.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show front (6A) and side (6B) views of a single-sheathed needle. The outer portion of the needle or probe-like structure includes optional openings.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the used of an array of electrodes separated from each other to achieve a generally uniform electric field strength over at least a portion of a target region by overlapping fields. FIG. 7A illustrates a two electrode array and the respective electric fields when electrical energy is applied to the individual electrodes. FIG. 7B is a graph of electrical field intensity versus distance from each electrode and further illustrating (by a dotted line) to increased field uniformity due to the overlapping fields. FIG. 7C illustrates a multi-electrode array with electrodes in a “honeycomb” arrangement to further enhance field uniformity.

It should be understood that a number of modifications can be made to the system and/or components shown in the Figures. For the purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every illustration of the system and/or components as shown in the figures, nor is every component of each embodiment shown where illustration is not required to allow one of ordinary skill to understand the system and/or components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various terms relating to aspects of the present disclosure are used throughout the specification and claims. Such terms are to be given their ordinary meanings in the art, unless otherwise indicated. In order for the present disclosure to be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined below. Additional definitions for the following terms and other terms are set forth throughout the specification.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “approximately” are used as equivalents. Any numerals used in this application with or without about/approximately are meant to cover any normal fluctuations appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. In certain embodiments, the term “approximately” or “about” refers to a range of values that fall within 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less in either direction (greater than or less than) of the stated reference value unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from the context (except where such number would exceed 100% of a possible value).

As used herein, unless otherwise clear from context, the term “a” may be understood to mean “at least one.” As used in this application, the term “or” may be understood to mean “and/or.” In this application, the terms “comprising” and “including” may be understood to encompass itemized components or steps whether presented by themselves or together with one or more additional components or steps.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a qualitative condition of exhibiting total or near-total extent or degree of a characteristic or property of interest. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that electrical properties rarely, if ever, go to completion and/or proceed to completeness or achieve or avoid an absolute result. Substantially is therefore used herein to capture a potential lack of completeness inherent therein. Values may differ in a range of values within 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less in either direction (greater than or less than). For example, values may differ by 5%.

“Connected,” and “coupled,” as used herein, refers to directly coupling (i.e., connecting) one element (i.e., output) of a system or component to another element (i.e. input) by any suitable means available, such as, for example, through tubing. Optionally, other intervening elements may also be present.

“Color,” as used herein, is broadly defined as a detectable property determined by a substance's electromagnetic absorption and/or emission in the visible spectrum.

“Colorless,” as used herein, refers to when essentially no color can be detected apart from the normal coloration of the surroundings (such as skin or other tissue) by the naked eye under normal lighting conditions, for example, diffuse sunlight or standard artificial lighting.

“Dislodged,” as used herein, refers to the release of tattoo ink particles from local skin cells and tissue structures such as cells, membranes, and/or tissues, typically found in the dermis.

“Degraded,” as used herein, refers to the breakdown of the organic and/or inorganic components of tattoo ink particles due to interaction with the applied electrical energy via processes that include, but are not limited to, oxidation, reduction, fragmentation, electron decomposition, ion decomposition, or other degradation pathways. Degradation generally refers to a breakdown of a colored organic pigment, dye, or chromophore and/or to the breakdown of the particle size of colored inorganic ink particles which causes them to become colorless. Degradation can come about through the disruption of crystals or amorphic masses of elements such carbon, or by the breaking of chemical bonds in organic or inorganic compounds.

“Pigment, dye, or chromophore,” as used herein, are terms that refer to organic and/or inorganic substance(s) which are colored and impart color to a tattoo ink. The color may result from substances which contain heavy metals such as mercury (red), lead (yellow, green, white), cadmium (red, orange, yellow), Chromium (green), cobalt (blue), aluminum (green, violet), titanium (white), copper (blue, green), iron (brown, red, black), barium (white), substances which contain metal oxides such as ferrocyanide and ferricyanide (yellow, red, green, blue), substances such as organic chemicals/compounds such as azo-containing chemicals (orange, brown, yellow, green, violet), naptha-derived chemicals (red), substances such as carbon (i.e., soot or ash) for black ink, and other color compounds which may contain antimony, arsenic, beryllium, calcium, lithium, selenium and sulfur. The pigments, dyes, or chromophores of a tattoo ink are typically dispersed or suspended in a carrier medium which together are delivered to the dermis. The most typical carrier constituents are ethyl alcohol and water, but may be denatured alcohols, methanol, rubbing alcohol, propylene glycol, and/or glycerin.

“Invisible,” as used herein, refers to the state of tattoo inks that show essentially no color which can be detected (such as in a tissue) apart from the normal coloration of the surroundings (such as skin or other tissue) by the naked eye under normal lighting conditions, for example, diffuse sunlight or standard artificial lighting.

“Non-discernible and undetectable,” are used interchangeably and refer to a substance (i.e., tattoo ink) rendered invisible to the naked eye under normal lighting conditions, and also invisible to the naked eye, or a device, under any other lighting conditions.

“Substantially” refers to a qualitative condition of exhibiting total or near-total extent or degree of a characteristic or property of interest. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that electrical properties rarely, if ever, go to completion and/or proceed to completeness or achieve or avoid an absolute result. Substantially is therefore used herein to capture a potential lack of completeness inherent therein. Values may differ in a range of values within 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less in either direction (greater than or less than). For example, values may differ by 5%.

“Tattoo,” as used herein, refers to a portion of skin, typically the dermis, which has tattoo ink particles embedded or trapped within.

“Uniform” refers to a qualitative condition of exhibiting similarity in a characteristic or property of interest. “Uniform” is therefore used herein to capture a degree of substantial similarity. Values may differ in a range of values within 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less in either direction (greater than or less than). For example, values may differ by 5%.

Electrical Energy

The methods for tattoo removal described herein are based on application of a DC pulsed or high frequency AC electric field at a sufficient strength and duration to dislodge and degrade tattoo ink particles trapped within a subject's dermis and extraction of the mobilized particles and/or degradation products from the subject's dermis. The method includes the steps of: (i)

dislodging and degrading tattoo ink particles by applying electrical energy to a subject's tattooed dermis; (ii) mobilizing the dislodged and degraded ink particles and by-products thereof; and (iii) extracting the dislodged and degraded ink particles and by-products thereof from the subject's dermis to render the tattoo undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the method, as shown in FIG. 1, electrical energy 10 is delivered to the tattooed dermis 12 of a subject and induces dislodgement of ink particles 14 trapped by the cells, membranes, and/or other tissue structures 16 of the dermis 12 which are holding the ink particles 14 in place. The electrical energy 10 may be delivered by any suitable means known. In preferred embodiments the electrical energy 10 is delivered to the dermis 12 via one or more needle or probe-like structures 20 that can penetrate the subject's tattooed skin. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine the penetration depth of the one of more needle or probe-like structures to deliver the electrical energy to the tattooed dermis.

It is believed that the electrical energy delivered to a subject's tattooed dermis results in the electrical energy interacting with constituents present within the dermis such as, but not limited to, macrophages, fibroblasts, other cells, collagen fibers, and capillaries which have trapped the tattoo ink particle, in a sufficient amount to effectively disrupt the local dermal skin cells and tissue structures holding the particles and dislodge the trapped tattoo ink particles from the dermis and surrounding tissues. The electrical energy also may induce degradation of the ink particles, which are composed of organic and/or inorganic pigments, dyes, and/or chromophores and give color to the ink particles. Such degradation can result from the interaction of the electric field with the organic and/or inorganic components of the ink particles to degrade them via such processes as oxidation, reduction, fragmentation, electron decomposition, ion decomposition, or other degradation pathways.

In preferred embodiments, the electrical energy both dislodges and degrades the trapped ink particles without causing a significant amount of thermal or other type of irreparable damage to the subject's dermis or surrounding tissue.

In some embodiments of the method, the exposure time of the dermis to the electrical energy needed to dislodge and degrade the tattoo ink particles can be as short as one microsecond, but is more preferably a longer period of time, in the range from about one microsecond up to about one hour. In some embodiments, the electrical energy effectively dislodges and degrades the ink particles at the point of exposure within a period of time of 60 minutes or less, more preferably 10 minutes or less. In certain embodiments, the electrical energy may effectively dislodge and degrade all or a portion of the tattoo ink particles within a single tattoo removal treatment. In other embodiments, multiple treatments using electrical energy according to the methods described may be applied. The number of treatments depends on factors such as the area/size and complexity of the tattoo (for example, multi-colored and/or multi-layered tattoo and the age and settling of tattoo inks into lower portion of dermis over time) and on the health of the individual and/or individual's skin. In some non-limiting embodiments, tattooed skin having an area of up to 5 square inches may be treated in as little as one treatment. For tattoos having a larger surface area/size and/or complexity, repeated treatments may be applied with an intervening period time passing between treatments, such as up to one week, up to two weeks, up to three weeks, up to one month, up to two months, or up to three months; longer periods of time may pass between treatments as needed. In preferred embodiments of the method, the temperature of the dermis or other surrounding tissues is not increased by exposure to the electrical energy. In certain other embodiments, the temperature of the dermis or other surrounding tissues when exposed to a treatment is not increased at all or significantly, only increasing by about 1° to about 5° C. above normal body temperature, which is below the temperatures needed to induce any significant amount of thermal damage or pain. The application of electrical energy to the dermis for tattoo removal is not expected to produce blanching and/or bleaching of the subject's natural skin color or pigmentation.

Referring to FIG. 1, the dislodged ink particles 14 and degradation by-products thereof are mobilized in a mobilization step to remove them from the subject's dermis and surrounding tissues 12 prior to their recapture by the natural protection mechanisms of the skin, which can result in a re-tattooing effect. In some embodiments, the mobilization step involves the delivery of a pharmaceutically acceptable mobilization fluid 24, preferably through the same one or more needle or probe-like structures used to deliver the electrical energy 22. The mobilization fluid 24 facilitates the removal of the dislodged and degraded ink particles 14 and by-products thereof from the dermis 12. The mobilization fluid delivered to the electrical energy treated dermis is extracted in a subsequent extraction step which can be accomplished by any suitable means, such as by the application of suction. Suction, as used herein, refers to at least a partial vacuum created at the ends of the one or more needle or probe-like structures described above, such that the mobilization fluid containing the dislodged and degraded ink particles 26 is drawn away and extracted from the dermis and surrounding tissues. In some embodiments, suction is applied as a continuous suction or, alternatively, suction can be applied as a non-continuous pulsing suction. In some embodiments, no mobilization fluid is administered during or after the treatment and the dislodged ink particles and degradation by-products thereof are removed by extraction (i.e., suction) of natural bodily fluid(s) containing the particles and by-products from the dermis and/or surrounding tissue during the extraction step.

In preferred embodiments, all or a portion of the dislodged and degraded tattoo ink particles are extracted from a tattoo during the extraction step. By removing dislodged and degraded tattoo ink particles, the tattoo on skin treated according to the method described becomes undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible. By definition, an effective amount of electrical energy is applied to cause the colors in the original tattoo in the treated area to become undetectable, invisible and/or non-discernible. In some embodiments, treatment of the tattoo ink particles with electrical energy may render the ink particles down to their colorless atomic, molecular, and/or gaseous components, such as carbon dioxide or water, and the colorless components may not require removal or extraction from the skin if the tattoo has otherwise been rendered undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible to the naked eye. In such embodiments, the portion of dislodged and degraded ink particles and degradation by-products thereof which are rendered into colorless components and which remain in the dermis may be absorbed through the interstitial fluid of the body. In such embodiments the method involves dislodging and degrading tattoo ink particles by applying electrical energy to a subject's tattooed dermis; wherein the energy is applied in an effective amount to a subject's dermis to render the tattoo undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible. The application of the steps of mobilizing the dislodged and degraded ink particles and by-products thereof and extracting the dislodged and degraded ink particles and by-products thereof from the subject's dermis as described above are optional and determined at the discretion of the skilled technician or operator applying the tattoo removal method to the subject's tattooed skin. Depending on the extent to which the tattoo has been rendered undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible by electrical energy treatment alone the operator/technician may apply steps (ii) and (iii) as shown in FIG. 1 in order to further render the tattoo undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible.

In some embodiments, the extraction of the degraded and dislodged ink particles and by-products thereof from the subject's skin is highly desirable as these may have toxic properties. In contrast to laser-based tattoo removal techniques wherein inks and degradation by-products thereof may remain in situ and/or become absorbed by the subject's body, the methods described herein result in extraction of these foreign inks and components in order to prevent their absorption by the subject and any potentially harmful effects on health.

In some embodiments of the method the steps of dislodgement, mobilization, and extraction, as shown in FIG. 1, are performed in sequence as shown, for example, (i)→(ii)→(iii). In embodiments wherein the steps are applied sequentially, the steps are performed so as to provide at least one complete cycle which includes the dislodgement, mobilization, and extraction steps (i), (ii), and (iii). The complete cycle may be repeated any number of times as necessary to effectively remove the tattoo by dislodging and degrading tattoo ink particles from the subject's dermis and tissue. The preferred number of cycles which may be applied are typically in the range of one to 100 cycles, or more. In certain other embodiments, all of the steps are applied concurrently. In a non-limiting example, the dislodgement (application of electrical energy to tattooed dermis), mobilization, which may include the introduction of a mobilization fluid to the dermis, and the extraction step, which involves removal of the mobilization fluid containing the dislodged and degraded ink particles and degradation by-products thereof, or in some instances where no mobilization fluid is used, removes the dislodged and degraded ink particles and degradation by-products thereof directly. In some other embodiments, the steps of dislodgement and mobilization occur concurrently and are followed by the extraction step and form a cycle which is performed at least one or more times, as necessary to remove the tattoo ink from the subject's dermis and rendering the tattoo undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible.

In a preferred embodiment of the method described above can further include a pretreatment of the surface of the tattooed skin with an antibiotic solution in order to prevent the introduction of infectious organisms present on the surface to the skin into the dermis during treatment. In other preferred embodiments, the pretreatment may also include application of topical anesthetics to the surface of the skin in order to prevent or alleviate any potential discomfort during the treatment.

Electrical Energy in Conjunction with Cold Plasma

In some embodiments, electrical energy can be applied in conjunction with “cold plasma” that, as used herein refers to a non-thermal or atmospheric plasma, generated by subjecting a gas(es) to a strong electrical field with a rapidly changing polarity to create a plasma which may contain electrons, highly energetic positively or negatively charged ions, and chemically active species such as ozone, hydroxyl radicals, nitrous oxides and other excited atoms or molecules. In particular, cold or non-thermal plasmas are created at or near standard atmospheric pressure and have temperatures which are close to or near room temperature which are non-damaging when applied to tissue. Contacting tissue with a cold plasma does not increase the tissue temperature at all or significantly, typically only by a few degrees or less.

Methods for generating cold plasma as described herein are well-understood by those skilled in the art. Exemplary methods to produce atmospheric cold plasmas include, but are not limited to, arc discharge, corona discharge, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), capacitive discharge, and piezoelectric direct discharge. Typically, such plasmas are generated from a gas or a mixture of gases which include, but are not limited to, air, oxygen, nitrogen, helium, argon, neon, xenon, and krypton. In preferred embodiments, the cold plasma is generated from a mixture of argon and oxygen or a mixture of helium and oxygen. Conditions such as the power, flow rate of gas(es), and the ratio of gases in mixtures used to generate a cold plasma can be optimized as needed to achieve the desired properties of the cold plasma, such as to ensure it is at or near room temperature. In preferred embodiments the power used to generate the plasma is in the range of about 80 W to about 150 W. In some preferred embodiments, the gas flow rates are in the range of about 0.00001 to about 15 L min⁻¹. The relative percentages of the one or more gases present in the mixture can be any suitable relative percentage necessary to achieve a cold plasma. In preferred embodiments, wherein the plasma generating mixture of gases is composed of oxygen mixed with argon or helium, the percentage of oxygen in the mixture is preferably in the range of about 0.1% to about 5%.

The cold plasma stream generated according to the methods described herein may be delivered and output into the dermis via one or more needle or probe-like structures as a continuous cold plasma jet stream or can be delivered as a discontinuous pulsed cold plasma jet stream. It should be apparent that the details described herein are non-limiting and that other suitable conditions and parameters can be selected and utilized in order to generate and deliver the cold plasma to the dermis.

Pharmaceutically Acceptable Mobilization Fluids

In preferred embodiments, non-limiting examples of the mobilization fluid include sterile water, saline solution, or buffered aqueous solutions. One skilled in the art can readily determine a suitable saline and buffer content and pH for a mobilization fluid/solution to be administered to the dermis of a subject. Representative examples include phosphate buffered saline (“PBS”), Ringer's solution, and sterile physiological saline (0.15 M NaCl).

In certain embodiments, the mobilization fluid can further include surfactants which improve the mobility and removal efficiency of the degraded ink particles and/or degradation by-products thereof. Preferred surfactants include those approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) as GRAS (“generally regarded as safe”) excipients for injection. In certain other embodiments, the mobilization fluid can also include suitable local anesthetics, anti-infective agents, antiseptic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and combinations thereof.

Surfactants which can be included in the mobilization fluid may be anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactants which are pharmaceutically acceptable for use in a human subject. Anionic surfactants include di-(2 ethylhexyl)sodium sulfosuccinate; non-ionic surfactants include the fatty acids such as butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, caprylic acid, undecylic acid, lauric acid, tridecylic acid, myristic acid, pentadecylic acid, palmitic acid, heptadecylic acid, stearic acid, nonadecanoic acid, arachic acid, isocrotonic acid, undecylenic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, sorbic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and esters thereof; surfactants in the amphoteric group include substances classified as simple, conjugated and derived proteins such as the albumins, gelatins, and glycoproteins, and substances contained within the phospholipid classification. Amine salts and quaternary ammonium salts within the cationic group also comprise useful surfactants. Synthetic polymers may also be used as surfactants and include compositions such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. Hydrophobic surfactants can be used to improve the removal of hydrophobic ink particles and degradation by-products thereof. Hydrophilic surfactants can be used to improve the removal of hydrophilic ink particles and components and degradation by-products thereof. Amphiphilic surfactants can be used to improve the removal of amphiphilic ink particles and components and degradation by-products thereof.

In some embodiments, anesthetic agents can be included in the mobilization fluid such as local anesthetics, such as but not limited to, -caine anesthetics such as bupivacaine, ropivacaine, dibucaine, procaine, chloroprocaine, prilocaine, mepivacaine, etidocaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, and xylocaine, and mixtures thereof which can be used alone or in combination with other analgesics.

In some embodiments, antiseptic agents can be included in the mobilization fluid. Exemplary antiseptic agents can be composed of any anti-infective compound that prevents the growth of and/or kills infectious organisms. Antiseptic agents are preferably non-irritating and hypoallergenic, such that they do not cause any adverse reactions to the dermis and surrounding tissue of the subject.

“Anti-infective agent,” as used herein, refers to common antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents which can be include a chemical substance or group of chemical substances that inhibit the growth of, or destroy microorganisms, fungi, and viruses and are used chiefly in the treatment of infectious diseases. In some preferred embodiments, antibiotics can be included in the mobilization fluid. These may help to prevent infection in the dermis and surrounding tissues of the site of tattoo removal. Exemplary antibiotics include, but are not limited to, chloramphenicol, chlortetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, gramicidin, gentamicin, metronidazole, mupiroicin, neomycin, polymyxin B, bacitracin, doxycycline, ampicillin, penicillin, silver sulfadiazine, tetracycline, erythromycin, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, anti-inflammatory agents can be included in the mobilization fluid. Anti-inflammatory agents can provide beneficial effects during tissue healing and repair. Anti-inflammatory agents can include, but are not limited to, steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as dexamethasone, budesonide, beclomethasone, and hydrocortisone and non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDS). NSAIDS typically inhibit the body's ability to synthesize prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are a family of hormone-like chemicals, some of which are made in response to cell injury. Specific NSAIDS approved for administration to humans include naproxen sodium, diclofenac, sulindac, oxaprozin, diflunisal, aspirin, piroxicam, indomethacin, etodolac, ibuprofen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, tolmetin sodium, and ketorolac tromethamine. Anti-Inflammatory agents are a well-known class of pharmaceutical agents which reduce inflammation by acting on body mechanisms (Stedman's Medical Dictionary 26 ed., Williams and Wilkins, (1995); Physicians' Desk Reference 51 ed., Medical Economics, (1997)).

In some embodiments, the mobilization fluid may further contain additional agents, such as preservatives, viscosity adjusting additives, and other potentially beneficial materials, such hydrogen peroxide or hemoglobin derived oxygen carriers. Any volume of the formulated mobilization fluid may delivered as needed to the treated dermis in order to effectively facilitate removal of the dislodged and degraded ink particles and by-products thereof during the extraction step. In preferred embodiments the total volume of mobilization fluid used to remove dislodged and degraded ink particles and degradation by-products thereof is less than about 10 mL, more preferably less that about 5 mL, even more preferably less than about 2 mL, and most preferably less than about 1 mL.

Systems for Tattoo Removal

In one non-limiting embodiment as shown g e 2, the system for tattoo removal includes a main housing 100 wherein: an electrical energy generation component 102; a fluid delivery component 104; and a fluid extraction component 106 are integrated. In some other embodiments, the fluid delivery component may be excluded from the system. The system is connected and coupled to a free-standing treatment component 108, which may be in the form of pen or wand-like component. The housing of the tattoo removal system also includes additional components, as needed, to power the aforementioned 102, 104, and 106 components and the treatment component 108, so as to provide power from an electrical outlet or from one or more battery source(s). The main housing may further include one or more control unit(s), which may include input controls (i.e., knobs, buttons, foot pedals) and analog or digital displays which show parameters of the 102, 104, and 106 components in order to control and regulate each component's parameters prior to and during operation. In some embodiments, one (main) control unit may be used to control all the components, while in some other embodiments each component has its own individual control unit on the system's main housing.

In some other embodiments, the electrical energy generation component 102; a fluid delivery component 104; and a fluid extraction component 106 may, be incorporated into a single combined treatment component 106. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery component may be excluded from the combined treatment component. A foot pedal 110 can provide means for controlling the electrical energy application, saline wash, and extraction.

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a kinetic applicator 120 that can be incorporated into the treatment component (handpiece) 108 of FIG. 2, including a motor 122 and cam mechanism 124 to imparting a vibratory or oscillating motion to the needle or active electrode 208.

Electrical Energy (and Optional Cold Plasma) Generation Component

The electrical energy generation component may be a commercially available component which is adapted to be a part of the tattoo removal system described herein. The electrical energy generation component housed in the main system includes all necessary components required to provide a high frequency alternating current, or high repetition rate pulsed direct current to one or more skin-penetrating electrodes. Optional components relating to cold plasma formation can also include, but are not limited to, gas inputs, valves, regulators, pumps, gas mixing chamber/units, power systems. The conditions, such as the power, flow rate of gas(es), and the ratio of gases in mixtures used to generate a cold plasma can be controlled as needed to achieve the desired properties of the cold plasma, using the input control(s) connected and coupled to the plasma generation unit.

Typically, plasmas are generated from a gas or a mixture of gases which may include, but are not limited to, air, oxygen, nitrogen, helium, argon, neon, xenon, and krypton. In preferred embodiments, the cold plasma generation unit receives gas(es) from one or more gas sources. In some embodiments, the one or more gas sources may be in the form of free-standing replaceable gas tanks/cylinders or the one or more gas(es) may be from a source such as a gas outlet present on a wall and connected to a central gas source. In certain embodiments, the one or more gas sources are external to the main housing of the tattoo removal system and are coupled and connected to the one or more gas inputs of the plasma generation component of the system by any suitable means (i.e., gas regulator and gas tubing). In certain other embodiments, the one or more gas sources may be included within the housing of the tattoo removal system, if desirable. In preferred embodiments the power used to generate the cold plasma is in the range of about 80 W to about 150 W. In some preferred embodiments, the gas flow rates are in the range of about 0.00001 to about 15 L min⁻¹. The relative percentages of the one or more gases present in the mixture can be controlled by a gas mixing unit to achieve any suitable relative gas mix percentage necessary to achieve a cold plasma. In preferred embodiments, wherein the plasma generating mixture of gases is composed of oxygen mixed with argon or helium, the percentage of oxygen in the mixture is preferably in the range of about 0.1% to about 5%.

The plasma generation component is coupled and connected using any suitable means and outputs/delivers the cold plasma generated to the treatment component for delivery to the tattooed dermis. The cold plasma stream generated may be controlled via the one or more input control units of the system. The plasma output by the component to the treatment component may be a continuous cold plasma jet stream or a discontinuous pulsed cold plasma jet stream. It should be apparent that the details described herein are non-limiting and that other suitable conditions and parameters can be selected and utilized in order to generate and deliver the cold plasma to the tattooed dermis. The delivery of cold plasma to the dermis via a treatment component, which may be in the form of a pen/wand, can be controlled by a skilled/trained operator or technician using an input control unit, such as a foot pedal.

In some embodiments, the plasma generation component may be incorporated directly into the treatment component. In certain embodiments, the plasma generated in the treatment component is an air plasma and requires no external gas source. In certain other embodiments, one or more gas sources that are external to the treatment component are coupled and connected to one or more gas inputs of the treatment component by any suitable means (i.e., gas regulator and gas tubing). In certain other embodiments, the one or more gas sources may be included within the treatment component, if desirable.

Fluid Delivery Component

The fluid delivery component of the system includes one or more fluid reservoir units which can hold a pre-formulated mobilization fluid. The one or more reservoir units are coupled and connected to the treatment component of the tattoo removal system by any suitable means (i.e., tubing) in order to output the mobilization fluid to the treatment component. The mobilization fluid delivery component includes one or more controllable fluid pumps which deliver the mobilization fluid to the treatment component at a controllable flow rate. The flow rate of the fluid can be regulated by the one or more input controls or units coupled and connected to the fluid delivery component. In some embodiments the mobilization fluid is not pre-formulated but can be generated on-demand by mixing units which may form part of the fluid delivery component. Such mixing units are fed by the one or more fluid reservoir units which may contain the component fluids and other agents which form the desired mobilization fluid such as, but not limited to, sterile water, saline solution, buffered aqueous solutions and suitable local anesthetics, anti-infective agents, antiseptic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and combinations thereof. The delivery of mobilization fluid to the dermis via the treatment component can be controlled by a skilled/trained operator or technician using an input control unit, such as a foot pedal.

In some other embodiments, the fluid delivery component, as described above, may be directly incorporated into a free-standing pen or wand-like component. In such embodiments, one or more disposable fluid cartridges which hold a given volume of pre-formulated mobilization fluid (described above) may be coupled and connected to the fluid delivery component to output the mobilization fluid to one or more needle or probe-like structures of the treatment component as described below. In such embodiments, the delivery of mobilization fluid to the dermis via the one or more needle or probe-like structures of the treatment component can be controlled by a skilled/trained operator or technician using an input control unit present on the treatment component.

Fluid Extraction Component

The fluid extraction component of the system includes one or more vacuum pumps and/or other components necessary for creating a vacuum or partial vacuum and is connected and coupled by any suitable means to the treatment component so as to create suction used to extract the mobilization fluid delivered to the dermis during tattoo removal treatment and draw/extract the mobilization fluid containing dislodged and degraded ink particles and by-products thereof, and tissue by-products thereof away from the dermis and surrounding tissues of the subject. In some embodiments of the system which exclude a fluid delivery component and mobilization fluid, the fluid extraction component can remove the dislodged degraded tattoo ink particles which may be present in the natural fluids of the dermis or surrounding tissue directly. In some embodiments, suction created by the extraction component is applied as a continuous suction or, alternatively, the suction can be applied intermittently. The application of suction to the dermis and/or surrounding tissue can be controlled by a skilled/trained operator or technician using an input control unit, such as a foot pedal.

In some other embodiments, the fluid extraction component, as described above, may be directly incorporated into a free-standing pen or wand-like component. In such embodiments, the application of suction to the dermis and/or surrounding tissue can be controlled by a skilled/trained operator or technician using an input control unit present on the treatment component, which may be in the form of a pen or wand.

Treatment Component

The treatment component can be coupled and connected to the components discussed above using any suitable means known. Alternatively, the treatment component can have incorporated into it at least one or more of components as described above. The treatment component is preferably in the form of a pen or wand 200 and is formed of a main body as shown in FIG. 3. The treatment component is also referred to herein as a pen/wand component. The treatment component includes suitable mechanical components, as needed, to deliver electrical energy (and, optionally, cold plasma) and mobilization fluid into the dermis and to apply suction to the dermis. One end 202 of the treatment component may include one or more inputs and outputs (not shown) which are connected/coupled to the other components of the system as described above when these components are external to the treatment component. For example, the inputs can receive the electrical energy and mobilization fluid and the output can receive the mobilization or other body fluid extracted from the dermis or surrounding tissue during tattoo removal. The opposite end of the treatment component includes a treatment end which can output and deliver the electrical energy (and, optionally, cold plasma) and mobilization fluid into the dermis. The treatment end 204 also receives the mobilization fluid, or other natural body fluids, which contain dislodged and degraded tattoo ink particles during treatment of the dermis and surrounding tissue.

Kinetic Movement

In certain embodiments, the treatment end 204 is formed of a cartridge unit 206 which contains one or more needle or probe-like structures 208 which penetrate the subject's tattooed skin. The treatment end of the treatment component includes one or more needle or probe-like objects 208 which can penetrate skin and preferably form a part of a removable, disposable, and/or replaceable unit cartridge. The one or more needle or probe-like structures 208 can be made of either plastic, metal or a combination thereof. In some non-limiting embodiments, the removable, disposable, and/or replaceable cartridge includes one, two, three, four, five, six, seven or more needles. The depth of penetration of the one or more needle or probe-like structures, present in the needle cartridge, into the skin is preferably to the depth of the dermis of the subject's tattooed skin but may be adjusted by a skilled/trained operator or technician as needed to apply the tattoo removal treatment method using the system described herein. The one or more needle or probe-like structures 208, which penetrate into the tattooed dermis, oscillate or pulse during tattoo removal treatment via a mechanical process, such as a piston like drive which pulses and/or oscillates the needles in and out of the dermis at varying speeds. In certain other embodiments, the one or more needle or probe-like structures 208, which penetrate into the tattooed dermis are fixed and do not pulse or oscillate.

In some embodiments, the one or more needle or probe-like structures oscillate or pulse and with each oscillation or pulse perform one or more functions of delivering electrical energy, delivering cold plasma, delivering mobilization fluid to the dermis, or extracting the mobilization fluid containing dislodged and degraded ink particles and by-products thereof, and tissue by-products thereof. In some embodiments each full or partial oscillation or pulse applies a particular function sequentially at a time and all the functions as described are performed so as to provide at least one complete cycle which includes the dislodgement, mobilization, and extraction steps. In certain other embodiments, all of the functions are applied concurrently during a given oscillation or pulse of the one or more needles. In some other embodiments, some, but not necessarily all of, the functions described form part of a cycle which is performed at least one or more times during a given oscillation or pulse of the one or more needles, as necessary to remove the tattoo ink from the subject's dermis and rendering the tattoo undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible.

As shown in FIG. 3, the one or more needle or probe-like structures 208 which are present at the treatment end 204 of a treatment component in the form of a pen/wand 200 can penetrate into the dermis and deliver electrical energy (and, optionally, cold plasma) and deliver and extract fluids to and from the dermis and surrounding tissue undergoing tattoo removal. In some embodiments, different needle/probe-like objects present on the treatment end can serve different functions, such as plasma delivery, fluid delivery, or fluid extraction. In some embodiments, a single needle/probe-like object may perform multiple or all of the aforementioned functions.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each of the needle or probe-like structures of the removable, disposable, and/or replaceable unit cartridge can be formed of a multiple sheathed needle 300 which is formed from nested multiple concentric needles 302, 304, and 306.

In one non-limiting example as shown in the configuration of FIGS. 4A and 4B, a multi-sheathed needle or probe-like 300 is formed of three concentric nested/embedded needle or probe-like structures forming inner 306, middle 304, and outer rings 302. In some embodiments, the outer most ring 302 delivers cold plasma and optionally the outer most portion of the needle or probe-like structure includes suitable openings 308 on the outer side for delivering cold plasma to the dermis. In some embodiments, the middle ring 304 delivers mobilization fluid to the dermis. In some embodiments, the inner most ring 302 provides suction to the dermis to remove mobilization fluid containing dislodged and degraded tattoo ink particles and by-products thereof from the dermis. Any one or all of the concentric structures can serve as the active electrode for delivery of electrical energy.

In another non-limiting example as shown in the configuration of FIGS. 5A and 5B, a multi-sheathed needle 400 is formed of two concentric nested/embedded needle or probe-like structures forming inner 404 and outer 402 rings. In some embodiments, the outer most ring delivers cold plasma and extraction fluid which are sequentially pulsed into the dermis. Optionally, the outer most portion 402 of the needle or probe-like structure can include suitable openings 406 on the outer side for delivering cold plasma to the dermis. In some embodiments, the inner ring 404 provides suction to the dermis to remove mobilization fluid containing dislodged and degraded tattoo ink particles and by-products thereof from the dermis. Again, anyone or both of the concentric structures can serve as the active electrode for delivery of electrical energy.

In another non-limiting example as shown in the configuration of FIGS. 6A and 6B, a single-sheathed needle 500 may be used in the cartridge. Optionally, the outer surface of the needle or probe-like structure 500 can include suitable openings 502 on the outer side for delivering cold plasma to the dermis. In a single sheath configuration, the cold plasma, mobilization fluid, and suction are sequentially applied to the dermis during treatment and the sheath itself is conductive for delivery of electrical energy to the target tattoo region.

As described above, the one or more needle or probe-like structures of the cartridge may each be formed of a multiple sheathed needle-like structure. One of ordinary skill will immediately recognize that the above examples are non-limiting and variations are permitted regarding the use of any of the sheaths present in the embedded/nested structure to achieve any of the plasma, fluid, or extraction functions as described above. In some embodiments, the rate of flow of cold plasma, mobilization fluid and rate of suction can be controlled by a computerized flow meter included in the treatment component.

In some embodiments, an input control, such as a foot pedal or button(s) present on the treatment component, may be used to activate, deactivate, and control all of electrical energy, cold plasma, dislodgement, mobilization and extraction components coupled and connected to the treatment component, or integrated within the treatment component which may be in the form of a pen/wand, at one time or may control the electrical energy, cold plasma, dislodgement, mobilization and extraction components individually, in some other embodiments, an input control, such as a foot pedal and/or button(s) present on the treatment component, can be used initiate a cycle which triggers each function of a given component in a given sequence (i.e., component 100, then component 102, and subsequently component 104). The cycle/sequence may be repeated at any suitable interval of time and for any suitable number of cycles as needed to remove e tattoo from the subject's dermis and surrounding tissue.

The application of electrical energy, plasma, mobilization fluid, and/or extraction (i.e., suction) through the one or more needle/probe-like structures present on the treatment end to the tattooed dermis and surrounding tissue can be controlled by a skilled/trained operator or technician with high precision. In preferred embodiments, the skilled/trained operator or technician can activate or deactivate the different functions of the system components individually or in combination using one or more input control unit(s), such as a foot pedal or button(s) present on the treatment component. In some embodiments, the operator/technician may apply electrical energy and depending on the extent to which the tattoo has been rendered undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible determine not to apply cold plasma, a mobilization fluid and actuate extraction. In certain other embodiments, the operator/technician may choose to further apply a mobilization fluid and extraction in order to further render the tattoo undetectable, invisible, and/or non-discernible. In yet another embodiment, the operator/technician may choose to only further apply extraction to remove dislodged and degraded tattoo ink particles, degradation by-products thereof, and/or tissue by-products thereof contained in bodily fluid without applying a mobilization fluid.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the use of an array of electrodes separated from each other to achieve a generally uniform electric field strength over at least a portion of a target region by overlapping fields. FIG. 7A illustrates two electrodes of such an array (701, 702) and their respective electric fields (710, 720)—and their region of overlap (730) when electrical energy is applied to the individual electrodes. FIG. 7B is a graph of electrical field intensity versus distance from each of electrodes 701 and 702 and further illustrating (by a dotted line) an increased field uniformity due to the overlapping fields. FIG. 7C illustrates a multi-electrode array 700 with electrodes in a “honeycomb” arrangement to further enhance field uniformity.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which the present teachings belong. Publications cited herein and the materials for which they are cited are specifically incorporated by reference.

It should be understood that any method or element described herein can be used in conjunction with any other method or element, respectively, whether or not such combination is described in a specific example or embodiment. All such permutations are embraced as part and parcel of the present invention.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the exemplary teachings described herein. Such equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1. A method of removing a tattoo from a subject's skin comprising the steps of: inserting at least one needle-shaped, active electrode into the subject's skin to access a target tattoo region within a dermal region of the skin; and applying electrical energy via the active electrode to the target tattoo region at a fluence and duration sufficient to degrade the tattoo.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying electrical energy further comprises applying an alternating electric field having at least one frequency ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the active electrode delivers between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes of alternating current.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the active electrode delivers a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying electrical energy further comprises applying an pulsed DC current having a pulse repetition rate ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the active electrode delivers DC pulses at between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the active electrode delivers DC pulses at a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying an electrical field further comprises applying electrical energy via a plurality of electrodes in an array, said electrodes separated from each other by a distance sufficient to achieve generally uniform electric field strength over at least a portion of target region by overlapping fields.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the electrode array comprises at least 9 active electrodes, or optionally at least 16 electrodes.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises applying at least one collector electrode to the subject's skin to provide a return path for the applied electrical energy.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying an electric field further comprises applying electric energy without raising the temperature of the target region more than 4 degrees C.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises mobilizing and extracting dislodged or degraded ink particles.
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. A system for removing a tattoo from a subject's skin, the system comprising: an electrical energy source; and an active electrode, configured for insertion into a target tattoo region of a subject's skin to deliver electrical energy in an amount sufficient to degrade the tattoo.
 22. The system of claim 21 wherein the electrical energy source is configured to apply an alternating electric field having at least one frequency ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz.
 23. The system of claim 22 wherein the electrical energy source is configured to apply an alternating current at between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes.
 24. The system of claim 23 wherein the electrical energy source is configured to apply an alternating current at a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV.
 25. The system of claim 21 wherein the electrical energy source is configured to apply a pulsed DC current having a pulse repetition rate ranging from about 1 kHz to 100 MHz.
 26. The system of claim 21 wherein the electrical energy source is configured to deliver DC pulses at between about 0.1 and 10 microamperes.
 27. The system of claim 26 wherein the electrical energy source is configured to deliver DC pulses at a voltage between about 1 and 10 kV.
 28. The system of claim 21 wherein the system further comprises a plurality of electrodes disposed in an array, said electrodes separated from each other by a distance sufficient to achieve generally uniform electric field strength over at least a portion of target region by overlapping fields.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the electrode array comprises at least 9 active electrodes.
 30. The system of claim 21, further comprising an extraction component and optionally a fluid delivery component.
 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the active electrode is part of a treatment component defining at least one fluid passageway for fluid delivery and/or extraction.
 32. (canceled)
 33. The system of claim 31, wherein the active electrode, the fluid delivery component, and the extraction component are integrated into the treatment component.
 34. The system of any of claim 31, wherein the treatment component is in the form of a hollow needle with a tip, from which the electric field is applied to the target tattoo region.
 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the hollow needle further comprises a multiple sheathed needle.
 36. The system of claim 31, wherein the treatment component comprises a cartridge unit with a plurality of needle-shaped active electrodes which penetrate the subject's tattooed skin.
 37. (canceled)
 38. The system of claim 21, wherein system further comprises a kinetic applicator connected to the active electrode to induce movement of the electrode during treatment. 